Colorful heavyweight champion of the world from 1908 to 1915 whose achievements in and out of the ring created an unprecedented storm of racially charged controversy. Johnson’s tumultuous personal life and career were dramatized in the classic play (and subsequent film) The Great White Hope. Scarce vintage 3.75 x 5.75 magazine photo of Johnson in a fighting stance, signed vertically in fountain pen, “Yours truly, Jack Johnson, Champion of the World.” A typed notation in the bottom margin reads, “At Cole’s Gymnasium, 5-18-09, Merchantville, N. J.” In very good condition, with clipped corners, small tear and hole to top right corner, scattered light soiling, and a small tear to right edge tape-repaired on the reverse. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
